Madrid in January | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More
Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is famous for its rich culture, historic monuments like the Royal Palace of Madrid, and art museums such as the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Madrid is also world-renowned for its football clubs Athletico Madrid, whose home stadium is Wanda Metropolitano, and Real Madrid, whose home turf is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Madrid is also a great destination for a family vacation, offering a lot of family attractions like Faunia Madrid, Madrid Aquarium Zoo, Parque Warner, and Parque de Atracciones. Now, let us help you plan your trip to Madrid in January.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Madrid?
January is a great time to visit Madrid, as it is one of the few European cities where you get to experience the festive season this time of the year, especially with fewer crowds and greater discounts on flight tickets and hotel bookings.
Why You Should Visit Madrid in January
- January is part of the low season in Madrid, meaning lesser waiting times and fewer crowds at tourist hotspots.
- Madrid is one of the few cities in Europe where you can still relish the Christmas festivities in January.
- Football! Madrid is home to not one, but two major league football clubs. You can visit their home turfs and museums here, and maybe even watch them play live.
- Flight tickets and hotels are cheaper as it is off-peak season.
- There are fewer crowds at shopping centers and huge discounts too.
What to Look Out for in Madrid in January
- Carry an umbrella as Madrid gets a few showers in January.
- Cover yourself well as January is chilly and windy in Madrid.
- January days are only around nine hours long. So plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Some museums and attractions have fixed times for visitor tours. Make sure you book your convenient timeslot well in advance to ensure all goes as per plan.
- Make sure you are healthy to travel to a city where the temperature could fall to 0 ℃.
Overview of Weather in Madrid in January
January is the coldest month in Madrid where the temperature falls to 0 ℃ on some days. The maximum temperature during the month is 11 ℃. Light rains and maybe some snow is expected. Evenings feel chilly due to the strong winds. The skies are mostly cloudy with just about 4.8 hours of sunshine a day.
- Average Temperature: High - 9.8 ℃ Low - 2.7 ℃
- Average Rainfall: 33 mm
- Average Wind Speed: 7.85 miles per hour
- Average Daylight Hours: 9.7
More About Weather in Madrid in January
Is Madrid cold in January?
January is the coldest month in Madrid with the average temperatures ranging from 2.7 ℃ to 9.8 ℃. The temperature even drops as low as 0 ℃ on some days. The strong winds make the evenings feel even more chilly.
Can you swim in Madrid in January?
January is too cold in Madrid for a swim. However, you may try finding indoor heated swimming pools.
Is it sunny in Madrid in January?
Madrid is generally cloudy in January. The days are among the shortest of the year, with 9.7 hours of average daylight and less than 5 hours of sunshine.
Is it rainy in Madrid in January?
You can expect slight rains for about 6 - 7 days in January in Madrid, and it snows from time to time. The average rainfall for the month is 33 mm.
Best Things to do in Madrid in January
1. Royal Palace of Madrid
Official Palace | Tourist Hotspot
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the few official royal residences in the world to be open to the public. Here you can see the Royal Armoury, the Painting Gallery, the Royal Kitchen, and the Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck that offers great views of the neighboring gardens. Do explore this royal abode amidst the fewer crowds in January.
January Timings: Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM | Sundays: 10 AM to 4 PM
Closed: 1 & 6 January
2. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Historical Church | National Monument
The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a neoclassical style monumental structure roofed by the largest dome in Spain. The church is famous for the wealth of 18th and 19th-century paintings and marble sculptures it houses. Artworks by renowned artists like Goya, Zurbarán, and Gaspar Crayer are on display among others. Do not miss this National Monument when visiting Madrid in January.
January Timings:
Church: Mon to Sat - 8 AM to 10.30 AM
Sun: 10 AM to 1.30 PM & 6.30 PM to 8 PM
Museum: Tues to Sat - 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM & 4 PM to 6 PM
3. Liria Palace
Residential Palace | Tourist Hotspot
Liria Palace Is an 18th-century neo-classical palace that serves as the residence of the Dukes of Alba. The private art collections at the Palace include sculptures, tapestries, furniture, and historic documents, displayed in 14 rooms across two floors and the Palace Library which are open to the public. Book your time slots in advance to visit this hotspot of Madrid in January.
January Timings: 10 am–12:30 pm | 4 – 7:15 pm
Closed: 1st, 5th & 6th January
4. Wanda Metropolitano
Football Stadium | Sports Museum
The Metropolitano Stadium sponsored by Wanda is the home stadium of Madrid’s very own football club Atlético Madrid. Visitors are welcome to see the pitch, the changing rooms, the benches, the press room, and the mixed area. The Territorio Atleti Museum boasts of the club’s journey so far, displaying their trophies and famous jerseys, while a VR screen lets visitors see the Vicente Calderón stadium. You could also buy tickets to watch live matches in January.
January Timings:
Museum: Tue to Sun - 11 AM to 6 PM
Stadium: Tue to Thu - 12 PM to 6 PM; Fri: 12 PM to 5 PM
Weekends and public holidays: 11 AM to 7 PM
Closed on Mondays
5. Faunia Madrid
Wildlife Zoo | Family Attraction
Visit Faunia Madrid to see over 1,000 species of plants and 4,000 animals from 700 different species, native to 15 different ecosystems including the Polar Regions, the Amazon Jungles, the African Rainforests, and the Mediterranean Woodlands. Experience wildlife through live shows, animal feedings, 3D movie shows, and much more. Don’t forget to book your tickets for the special Christmas Guided Tour offered on the 2nd and the 6th of January.
January Timings: Opens daily at 11 AM. Closing time varies.
from €19.95
6. Parque Warner
Themed Park | Family Attraction
Parque Warner is a Warner Brothers-themed park with over 30 rides spread across five different zones named Hollywood Boulevard, Cartoon Village, Old West Territory, DC Super Heroes World, and Movie World Studios. There are also street performances, stunt shows, character meets and greet sessions, and many other attractions to entertain you any day you choose to visit in January.
January Timings: Opens daily at 12 PM. Closing time varies. (TBA)
from €35.90
7. Prado Museum
Art Museum | UNESCO Site
The Prado Museum houses the richest collection of Spanish artworks in the world, with over 7500 paintings, 8000 drawings, 4800 prints, 1000 sculptures, and numerous historical documents on display. You can admire Caravaggio’s ‘David Victorious over Goliath’, Hieronymus Bosch’s ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’, Diego Velazquez’s ‘Las Meninas’, and Goya's ‘Maja’ series while visiting in January amidst fewer crowds.
January Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM | Sundays and public holidays: 10 AM to 7 PM
from €15
8. Madrid Aquarium & Zoo
Wildlife Zoo | Family Attraction
The Madrid Aquarium Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals of over 500 species from all continents. The wide variety of fauna at the zoo includes insects, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and more - living harmoniously on almost 20 hectares of pseudo habitats. The zoo hosts a range of educational and fun activities throughout the year. Do check out the events happening in January before booking.
January Timings: Monday-Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
from €21.90
9. Parque De Atracciones
Amusement Park | Family Attraction
Parque de Atracciones is a fun-filled amusement park for the whole family. The park has four different themed zones, namely, the Machinery zone, the Tranquility zone, the Nature zone, and Nickelodeon Land - which is a kids’ paradise, where they can meet, greet, and play with some of their favorite cartoon characters. You can skip the long queues if visiting the park in January.
January Timings:
Mon to Thurs: 12 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 12 PM - 9 PM
Sat & Sun: 12 PM - 10 PM
from €27.90
10. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Art Museum | UNESCO Site
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum boasts a curated collection of almost 1000 paintings by renowned artists from the 13th century up until the 20th century. The artworks of Caravaggio, Monet, Van Eyck, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, Dali, and many others displayed here, take the visitors on a historic journey of European paintings. January is one of the least crowded months to visit this museum.
January Timings: 10 am–7 pm
from €13
11. Take a Day-Trip to Toledo
Day Trip | Cultural Hotspot
The cultural city of Toledo is just a coach ride away from Madrid and with the number of tour options available, must definitely be a part of your trip to Madrid in January. The city with its vernacular architecture, historic monuments, and religious houses takes you back in time to the Middle Ages. The exotic ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ (The Dream of Toledo) stage show is also something not to be missed.
from €52
12. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Football Stadium | Sports Museum
The home ground of the famous European football club Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, is the largest stadium in the city. Football enthusiasts can enjoy panoramic views of the stadium, see the photo montages with players, and visit the Madridista card area, the Real Madrid F. C. Museum, and their Official Store on the premises. You may also buy tickets for live matches happening at the stadium in January.
January timings:
Monday to Saturday- 09:30 AM to 07:00 PM
Sundays and other holidays- 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM
The ticket office will be closed between 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM.
from €11.90Festivals in Madrid in January
Christmas Markets
Date: November / December 2022 - 5th January 2023
Venue: Various venues across Madrid
January is not too late for experiencing Christmas festivities in Madrid. The Feria dulces de Navidad (Christmas candy fair), the Mercadillo de la Plaza de Jacinto Benavente (craft market), and the Mercadillo del Gato are all Christmas markets that run until the 5th of January. These places let you grab Christmas goodies, delicacies, and gifts while in Madrid in January.
Know more
Cavalcade of the Magi (Three Kings Parade) & Epiphany (Three King’s Day)
Date: 5th & 6th January 2023
Venue: All around Madrid
Children in Spain get their Christmas presents on the 6th of January every year. According to Spanish tradition, the Three Kings are in charge of collecting children’s letters and distributing Santa’s gifts. This tradition is celebrated with the Cavalcade of the Magi, which is a parade of floats carrying the Magi (the Wise Men). The parade of dancers, performers, and musicians, runs across the streets, collecting letters from children and giving them candy in return.
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Festival of the Vaquilla
Date: 28th January 2023
Venue: Colmenar Viejo, Madrid
Vaquilla is a colorful festival celebrated every year at Colmenar Viejo in Madrid in January. The festival commemorates the age-old tradition of cattle migration. Parades of manmade animal forms dance through the streets towards the town square, depicting the journey of ‘vaquillas’ (cattle). Three shots are fired at the end symbolizing the death of the animals, followed by serving a drink of red wine and soda, called ‘Limonada’, which represents the blood of the slaughtered animal.
Know moreEvents in Madrid in January
La Liga Football Matches
Date: 14th & 29th January 2023
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Madrid is home to Europe’s third-biggest football club, Real Madrid. In this season of La Liga, Real Madrid is playing against Valencia on the 14th and Real Sociedad on the 29th of January, in their home ground at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Do book your tickets and be there to join the local crowds cheering for their favorite team.
Know more
Justin Bieber: Justice World Tour
Date: 23rd January 2023
Venue: WiZink Center, Madrid
World-famous Canadian singer-songwriter, Justin Bieber, will be performing in Madrid this January, as part of his ‘Justice World Tour’. The tour is in support of his last two studio albums - ‘Changes’ which was released in 2020 and ‘Justice’ which came out last year. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance if you wish to attend this concert while in Madrid in January.
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The Kooks Live Concert
Date: 25th January 2023
Venue: La Riviera, Madrid
British Indie rock band ‘The Kooks’ will be performing live at La Riviera, Madrid in January, as part of their special world tour. The tour is in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their first album, Inside In / Inside Out, which won four Platinum Discs when it came out in 2006. Don’t miss the chance to hear them perform all the songs from that album, and also some of their latest hits!
Know moreKnow Before You Visit Madrid in January
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Madrid which is 1 hour ahead of GMT (GMT+01:00).
Currency: Euro | EUR | €
Country code: +34
Emergency numbers: Integrated Emergency System - 112, Ambulance - 061, Fire brigade - 080, National police - 091, Local police - 092
Travel Guide
What to Wear in Madrid in January
- It is recommended to cover yourself in heavy woolen clothing to face the winter.
- Wear a poncho or a raincoat along with a pair of waterproof boots when stepping out on rainy days.
- Thick jackets can keep you comfortable amidst the strong winds on chilly nights.
- Additionally, you may wear a pair of gloves or a scarf while walking out in the winds.
- Comfortable walking shoes and thick socks are a must for winter in Madrid.
What to Pack in Madrid in January
- Do carry an umbrella, a poncho or a raincoat, and a pair of rain boots, as Madrid is slightly rainy in January.
- A pair of comfortable walking shoes are required to go around Madrid.
- Heavy woolen clothes, a pair of gloves, and a few pairs of thick socks to stay comfortable in the cold.
- Scarves and thick jackets for the cold and windy days.
- Madrid only has C and F type sockets which are round tip 2-pin. So do pack a 3-pin to 2-pin adaptor when you travel.
Getting Around Madrid in January
- By Bus: Madrid has a fleet of over 2000 buses running along 200 lines connecting to almost every corner of the city. Most bus routes operate from 6 AM to 11:30 PM. However, 26 bus routes operate at night from 11:55 PM to 5:50 AM. Tickets can be bought at metro stations.
- By Metro: Metro is the fastest means of public transportation in Madrid. Its well-connected network has more than 300 stations along 13 lines running from 6 AM until 2 AM. They use a multi-top-up card system for ticketing which can be bought at the station and through red machines or authorized retailers.
- By Train: Cercania trains in Madrid operate on weekdays from 5 or 6 AM until midnight. Train tickets can be purchased from the station.
- By Cab: Taxis are a convenient option if you are traveling in Madrid at night or with a lot of luggage. You can hail any cab on the street with a green light on its roof sign. Uber and Cabify are also available in Madrid. Please note that most taxi drivers in Madrid do not speak English.
Where to Stay in Madrid in January
Madrid offers tourists a lot of different accommodation options. You can choose from rented apartments, hostels, dormitories, hotels, and resorts, based on your budget. Here are some of our picks for January.
What to eat in Madrid in January
Madrid, being the capital, is one place where you can taste the food from all regions of Spain. Here are some of the dishes you must try while in Madrid in January.
- Roscón de Reyes: Madrid’s signature dish for the month of January is the special Three Kings cake, Roscón de Reyes, made to celebrate Three Kings Day. This ring-shaped sweet cake topped with candied fruit is found all across the city around the 6th of January and is a must-try.
- Cocido Madrileño: This is a three-course meal all by itself, prepared by stewing chickpeas, vegetables, chorizo sausage, and pork for over four hours. The first course is a noodle soup made from the broth of the stew.
- Ensalada Navideña de Col Lombarda: Another delicacy of the festive season in Madrid is this red cabbage salad served with pine nuts, apples, carrots, and other seasonal ingredients. This is a traditional staple found in all restaurants in the city in January.
Hacks & Tips to Visit Madrid in January
- January is part of the low season in Madrid. So look out for the best discounts on air tickets and hotels while making your bookings.
- If you are planning to go on day trips to other cities, it is advised to make the bookings beforehand as there are limited seats for each tour.
- Some tourist attractions have fixed time slots for visitor tours. Please mark your schedule while buying your tickets and be there on time, so as to not lose your spot.
- While planning your itinerary, you may want to club together attractions within proximity.
- You may also find discounts when purchasing combination tickets for attractions close to each other.
- Ensure you are healthy enough to stay in cold temperatures up to 0 ℃, before deciding on traveling to Madrid in January.
- It is advised to keep yourself fully covered and warm while stepping out, as January in Madrid can be very cold.
- Although Madrid receives only a few days of rain in January, it is better to carry an umbrella or a poncho, or a raincoat while stepping out.
- Hotel rooms in Madrid come with 2-pin sockets which use C-type and F-type plugs. Remember to carry an adaptor if your electronic items and chargers have a different pin type.
- If you are planning to attend a concert or watch a football match while in Madrid in January, please book your tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out soon.
Explore Madrid Through The Year
All Your Questions About Visiting Madrid in January Answered
January is a great time to visit Madrid, as it is one of the few European cities where you get to experience the festive season this time of the year, especially with fewer crowds and greater discounts on flight tickets and hotel bookings.
Some of the best things to do in Madrid include visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid and Liria Palace and admiring the art at the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Football enthusiasts can also check out the Wanda Metropolitano and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
January is the coldest month in Madrid with the average temperatures ranging from 2.7 ℃ to 9.8 ℃. The temperature even drops as low as 0 ℃ on some days. The strong winds make the evenings feel even more chilly.
It is cold in Madrid in January with the average maximum temperature going up to 9.8 ℃.
January is too cold in Madrid for a swim. However, you may try finding indoor heated swimming pools.
Madrid is generally cloudy in January. The days are among the shortest of the year, with 9.7 hours of average daylight and less than 5 hours of sunshine.
Heavy woolen clothing is recommended to be worn in Madrid in January. Gloves, scarves, thick jackets, and thick socks are needed to keep you warm and comfortable. It is advised to carry water-repelling clothes like raincoats, ponchos, and rain boots for the few rainy days as well.
You can expect slight rains for about 6 - 7 days in January in Madrid, and it snows from time to time. The average rainfall for the month is 33 mm.
Madrid is one of the cheapest European cities to go to in January. Since it is the low season, you can expect to get great bargains on airfare and hotel tariffs, if you book in advance. Public transport is comparatively much cheaper than in other European countries.
Madrid is a pretty safe city to travel to. In case of any emergency, you may dial 112 and the Integrated Emergency System will direct you to the required department.
January in Madrid although chilly offers tourists a lot of indoor attractions to truly experience the city’s cultural heritage. With fewer crowds, you can comfortably visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Liria Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in January.
Justin Bieber and the Kooks are having live music concerts in Madrid in January, while Madrid’s football teams, Athletico Madrid and Real Madrid, have two La Liga football matches each.
The average temperature in Madrid in January ranges from 2.7 ℃ to 9.8 ℃.